Posada to Alÿs. Mexican Art from 1900 to the Present

The Kunsthaus Zürich (Switzerland) showcases the politically charged work of Mexican artists. The exhibition begins with graphic plates by José Guadalupe Posada, one of the most important artists and caricaturists in 19th-century Mexico. His motto – 'art against violence' – has lost none of its topicality and continues to guide the work of his present-day successors.

Francis Alÿs, Carlos Amorales and Teresa Margolles draw their ideas from social deprivation, the gulf between rich and poor, and the violence that is all too prevalent in many parts of Mexico. Their paintings, slide projections and video works are every bit as impressive as Posada’s disturbing images.

The starting point and culmination of the exhibition are the graphic plates of José Guadalupe Posada (around 1852–1913). His best-known creations include the ‘calaveras’ or skeletons, notably the ‘Calavera Catrina’ from 1913, a caricature of the Mexican upper class before and during the revolution that combines biting sarcasm and black humour.

The technical perfection of the black and white woodcuts, linocuts and lithographs that are so typical of Mexican artists is remarkable. The illustrations, which were used in flyers published by the opposition, are regarded as icons of the revolution. They depict disturbing scenes of torture, death and dispossession. In addition to the Posada pieces, the exhibition features graphic works by various 20th-century artists including Fernando Castro Pacheco (*1918), Leopoldo Méndez (1902–1969) and José Clemente Orozco (1883–1949).
 
Date: until May 20.
Location: Kunsthaus Zürich, Heimplatz 1, CH-8001 Zurich
Opening hours: from Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 8pm. Saturdays, Sundays and Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm.